Olive Oil Commission works to improve standards

This week the California Department of Food and Agriculture announced the election of the board of directors for a new state commission established to coordinate the California's olive oil industry's efforts to strengthen its competitiveness.

The election came less than a month after a majority of California olive oil producers voted to support the creation of the Olive Oil Commission of California.

"There's a strong interest in getting this commission up and running. California's olive oil industry wants a fair playing field where they can grow and thrive, and consumers need to feel confident about the products they serving their families," said Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis, who authored the 2013 legislation to establish the commission within the Department of Food and Agriculture.

Through the commission, state olive growers and oil manufacturers will be able to conduct research and establish product grades and standards through the Secretary of Food and Agriculture. There are currently 16 active, industry-funded agricultural commissions in California created to enhance their industries competitiveness through promotion, advertising, education, marketing research, scientific research, and the creation and regulation of quality standards.

The commission's board has 10 members from among three California olive oil-producing districts and includes oil producers, handlers and a public representative.

"Forming the commission is an extremely positive step in supporting the future of the olive oil business in California," said newly-elected board member Dick Neilsen with McEvoy Ranch, which includes operations in Petaluma. "Olive oil is a rapidly expanding and important element in California agriculture."

"With the establishment of the commission, the members of California's growing olive oil industry can get to work on establishing market-leading standards and testing for extra virgin olive oil," said new board member Jim Etters, director of Yocha Dehe Farm and Ranch, which produces Séka Hills Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and is based in Yolo County. "Consumer taste for olive oil continues to grow in California and across the country. And we should be striving to ensure consumers have the information they need to readily choose olive oil based on freshness, taste and value."

Members also include Jim Lipman of California Olive Ranch, Brady Whitlow of Corto Olive LP and Adam Englehardt of K Bar Farming. The public member's position remains vacant.

Only large olive oil growers who produced more than 5,000 gallons of olive oil in the 2012 season were eligible to participate in the referendum vote to support the creation of the commission -- and will be required to adhere to the commission's standards. Growers who produce less than 5,000 gallons of olive oil a year will be able to participate in commission activities through an advisory committee.